Res 0182-2024

Whereas, Hate crimes have significantly increased in New York City as indicated by a 55.8% increase in reported hate crimes in 2021, adversely affecting the safety and well-being of our diverse communities; and Whereas, New York State hate crimes law limits the prosecution of crimes as bias-related incidents, leaving out crucial charges such as Gang Assault, Making Graffiti, Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking, False Reporting, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and certain sex crimes from the list of crimes eligible for consideration; and Whereas, As a result, the current New York State hate crimes law fails to adequately encompass certain acts perceived by many as potential hate crimes, creating a disparity between public perception and legal classification; and Whereas, S7737/A8261, The Hate Crimes Modernization Act, sponsored by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and State Assemblymember Grace Lee, aims to address these disparities by expanding the list of potential crimes eligible to be considered biased related hate crime charges from 66 to 97; and Whereas, The Hate Crimes Modernization Act enhances the definition of hate crimes, incorporating offenses such as gang assault, specific sex crimes, human trafficking, graffiti, false reporting, and weapon possession; and Whereas, The expanded definition of hate crimes offers prosecutors the tools needed to combat and prosecute a broader range of bias-motivated cases; and Whereas, The New York City Council recognizes the urgency of updating New York State's hate crimes laws to ensure greater accountability, protect vulnerable communities, and send a strong message that hatred and discrimination will not be tolerated; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign S7737/A8261, also known as The Hate Crimes Modernization Act. Session 13 LS #15042/15178 01/23/2024 Session 12 CMB LS#15042/15178 12/4/23